The Differences Between Oversteer and Understeer

At MINI of Charleston, it is important for us that we keep our consumers informed about how their vehicles function. Oversteer and understeer refer to the dynamics of a vehicle. Understeer is when a car turns less than what you want, and oversteer is when the car turns more than what you want.

Oversteer and understeer will primarily depend on if your vehicle has a rear-wheel or front-wheel drive system. In most circumstances, oversteer occurs when vehicles are equipped with rear-wheel drive, and understeer occurs with vehicles that have front-wheel drive. However, under the right circumstances, oversteer and understeer can happen in front-wheel and rear-wheel drive vehicles.

Understeer basically occurs because of lack of grip and happens in the vehicle's front wheels. Oversteer typically occurs when the front of the vehicle has more grip than the rear. Oversteer usually happens as the result of the back of the vehicle fishtailing or sliding out.